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Will You Lose a Nursing License Because of a DUI In Arizona

Posted by Raymond Kimble | Jan 04, 2016 | 0 Comments

Effects of a DUI on a Nursing License

On many occasions, a medical professional will call in a panic after they have been arrested and charged with DUI in Arizona. One of their main concerns is whether their nursing license will be suspended or revoked as a result of the DUI charge.  I have represented many nurses, doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals charged with DUI and have been able to resolve their cases without a loss of their medical licenses.

Undoubtedly, Arizona imposes some of the harshest penalties in the country upon people who have been charged with DUI.  The consequences for a misdemeanor DUI, Extreme DUI or Super Extreme DUI include jail sentences between one day and six months, huge fines, mandatory breathalyzer devices on a vehicle, probation, loss of driving privileges and alcohol education classes. Usually, licensed medical professionals such as doctors or nurses are required to report a DUI charge or arrest to the nursing board or board.  This agency will usually ask for copies of the DUI police reports, blood or breath tests results and any other relevant information.  Certainly, any time a person's license and opportunity to work in their chosen profession is placed in jeopardy, there is alot at stake.

The good news is that in most cases, a person will not lose their license following a misdemeanor DUI charge or conviction.  Usually, the applicable question is whether you suffer from substance abuse issues which pose a significant risk of harm to your patients.  A first offense DUI, because they are very common in Arizona, should not place you in that category.  However,  the regulatory agency may require you to undergo substance abuse counseling and ask for more information when your license is coming up for renewal.

Of course, there are certain cases where a person can lose their nursing or other medical license.  This may occur in situations where there have been multiple DUI convictions, where drugs are involved or if the DUI is prosecuted as a felony, Aggravated DUI.

Probably the best advice to avoid placing your medical license at risk is to refrain from drinking alcohol and driving. However, if you do find yourself stopped by police after having some drinks remember:

  • Be Polite
  • Provide your License, Registration and Insurance
  • Do Not Participate in any Roadside Tests
  • Immediately Request to Speak with an Attorney before Answering any Questions or Taking a Blood, Breath or Urine Test.

If you have been charged with DUI in Arizona, please call me at (480) 833-8613 for a free office consultation.   I am happy to discuss the facts of your case, possible defenses and options with you.

About the Author

Raymond Kimble

About Raymond Kimble Attorney Raymond Kimble has built his law practice on the philosophy that each client deserves consistent individual attention. Ray realizes that being charged with a DUI or criminal offense is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. A DUI, felony or misdemeanor arrest can involve prison or jail time, probation, huge fines and a criminal record. Consequently, people who face DUI, felony or misdemeanor charges in Arizona are placed at risk of losing employment or being barred from future job opportunities. Ray works to lessen his client's anxiety by ensuring that they have direct access to him at all times and can reach him by e-mail, cell phone or text during normal business hours as well as nights or weekends if they have a pressing question or concern. Raymond Kimble is a dedicated DUI and criminal defense lawyer who has built a reputation of working tirelessly to protect his client's constitutional rights, their future and liberty. Ray strives to provide the strongest defense possible for each client despite the obstacles they may face. Put Experience to Work for You Raymond Kimble's twenty years of experience with respect to DUI, misdemeanor and felony criminal charges extends well beyond law school where he graduated within the top ten percent of his class. Ray was a police officer for ten years prior to becoming an attorney. As a police officer, Ray was trained in both DUI and criminal investigation and his personal involvement in criminal cases while a police officer certainly gives him a unique perspective when reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses and challenging physical evidence. Ray often identifies legal issues or mistakes made by police during an investigation through his own personal experience as a patrol officer. In addition to his police experience, Raymond Kimble worked as a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office where he was responsible for prosecuting DUI, felony and misdemeanor crimes. During his tenure as a prosecutor, Ray conducted a number of jury trials and hearings related to the admissibility of evidence. Through his involvement with these cases as a prosecutor, Ray learned how to properly evaluate the strength and weaknesses of a DUI, misdemeanor or felony charge and became skilled in jury selection, argument, and the direct and cross examination of both civilian witnesses, experts and police officers. Of course, Raymond Kimble's expertise extends beyond his experience as a police officer and prosecutor. Specifically, Ray has successfully represented thousands of people during the last fifteen years throughout Maricopa County, Arizona. To best serve his Clients, Raymond remains current on changes in the law as well as police tactics by regularly attending seminars focused on defending criminal charges and reading the latest articles and books related to DUI and criminal defense. Ray also regularly writes criminal defense blogs and posts so that people faced with a criminal charge are better informed about their rights.

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